Growth brings opportunity, and in Jessamine County, we believe making the most of that opportunity means planning thoughtfully for what comes next.
At the Jessamine Economic Development Authority, our work extends beyond recruiting businesses and creating jobs. It means working alongside our local governments, educational institutions, business community and regional partners to ensure Jessamine County has the infrastructure, workforce and resources needed to support sustainable growth.
Our Executive Director, Russ Meyer, recently sat down to discuss that work, the experiences that brought him to JEDA and his vision for the future of the community he has spent much of his career serving.
Coming Home to Serve
Russ’s connection to Jessamine County spans decades.
Before joining JEDA, he served as Nicholasville mayor and city commissioner, represented the area in the Kentucky General Assembly and spent five years serving as Kentucky State Parks Commissioner.
Throughout those roles, public service has remained a common thread.
“I have a passion for community service, public service, and have enjoyed it.”
Joining JEDA offered Russ an opportunity to bring that experience back home and work directly with the people and organizations shaping our county’s future.
“I love this opportunity that I have to come back and work with the people in our community, our leaders, the people out there that make this community great.”
Working Together for Jessamine County
JEDA represents a partnership between the City of Nicholasville, Jessamine County Fiscal Court and the City of Wilmore. While each community has its own identity and priorities, economic development provides an opportunity to work together toward a shared vision for Jessamine County.
As Russ explained:
“All three entities work together for the betterment of Jessamine County, which does encompass two cities, two wonderful cities.”
Our mission is to advance a strong, sustainable and competitive local economy through strategic growth that supports balanced residential, commercial and industrial development. That includes proactively planning for infrastructure needs and supporting a skilled and adaptable workforce through strong educational partnerships.
Economic Development Is About the Entire Community
Our work may be called economic development, but attracting businesses is only one part of it.
When a company considers investing in Jessamine County, its leaders want to understand the entire community. They look at infrastructure and transportation. They consider workforce availability and educational resources. They evaluate quality of life, public safety and the amenities available to their employees and families.
Russ summarized it simply:
“Economic development encompasses everything that makes a community great.”
That philosophy is important to how we approach our work at JEDA. Building a competitive economy means supporting the qualities that make Jessamine County a strong place to live, work, invest and build a future.
Embracing the Opportunities That Come With Growth
Jessamine County continues to grow, and we recognize that growth brings new responsibilities alongside new opportunities.
New development can expand the resources available for investments in public protection, infrastructure, education, parks and other community amenities. At the same time, it places additional demands on transportation and infrastructure that require thoughtful planning.
“Growth has always and always will provide opportunities and challenges.”
Our approach is to prepare for both.
Working alongside our local and state partners, we want to stay ahead of infrastructure and transportation needs while positioning Jessamine County to responsibly accommodate continued investment.
Investing in Our Workforce
A community can have available sites and strong infrastructure, but businesses ultimately depend on people.
Fortunately, workforce development is one of Jessamine County’s greatest strengths.
Our community and region are supported by educational institutions ranging from the Jessamine Career and Technical Center and Asbury University to the University of Kentucky and numerous colleges throughout Central Kentucky.
Russ specifically highlighted the work happening at the Jessamine Career and Technical Center:
“They are putting young kids out there, our next generation, ready to go to work, and it’s phenomenal what they’ve done.”
Those educational partnerships help prepare young people for meaningful careers while giving current and prospective employers access to the talent they need to grow.
Building on What We Do Well
Our goal is not to make Jessamine County something it is not. It is to recognize our strengths and build upon them.
Jessamine County has benefited from a diverse economy that includes established industries alongside a strong small business community. Russ believes maintaining that balance will remain important to our future.
“We’ve also done a great job of growing small business, and that mix has allowed us to work through tough times.”
Looking ahead, there is an opportunity to attract businesses that complement our existing economy, workforce and infrastructure. Russ sees particular potential for companies bringing approximately 50 to 200 jobs, while continuing to support the businesses already invested in our community.
Growth Takes Partnership
None of this work happens through JEDA alone.
Our relationships with Nicholasville Planning and Zoning, Jessamine County and Wilmore Planning and Zoning, local elected officials, educational institutions, transportation partners and business leaders are essential to moving Jessamine County forward.
Through collaborative planning, these partners help address zoning, infrastructure and long term growth while preparing our communities for what comes next.
That collaborative mindset extends beyond Jessamine County as well.
“We’re going to succeed if our neighbors are succeeding.”
Economic opportunities, employees, education and transportation do not stop at county lines. Strong communities throughout Central Kentucky contribute to a stronger region, and that ultimately makes Jessamine County stronger too.
Looking to the Next Generation
As we look toward the future, perhaps one of the most encouraging signs is seeing young people choose Jessamine County.
Some are building their lives here for the first time. Others are returning home to begin careers, start families or pursue new opportunities.
Russ sees that next generation as fundamental to our future.
“What I’m seeing here in Jessamine County is what is important to our success and vision for the future, and that is the next generation.”
Creating opportunities for that generation is part of what economic development is ultimately about.
Let’s Build What Comes Next
Our priorities for the years ahead remain focused on the fundamentals: thoughtful growth planning, continued infrastructure investment, transportation improvements, strong educational partnerships and collaboration throughout Jessamine County and the surrounding region.
For businesses, developers and site selectors considering Jessamine County, our role is to help make navigating those opportunities easier. Our new website provides information about available properties, workforce, infrastructure, business resources and our community, but Russ also encourages prospective businesses to reach out directly.
“Give me a call on my mobile, and I’ll help direct you in any direction that you need to go. And if that home for you is Jessamine County, we welcome you.”